There are thousands of error codes that you can encounter when flashing a tune, but if one does pop up on your screen, don't stress! Error codes can trigger from something as simple as leaving the ignition switched off. Although EFI Live will provide a generic suggested repair, these descriptions can sometimes leave people scratching their heads if they are not familiarized with the device or tuning. This is where we come in.
Below, you will find the top error codes that are frequently encountered, and we have translated the gibberish EFI Generic descriptions into english for us normal folk to understand, giving you a real-world fix.
The Codes:
$0101 No data received - Ensure Autocal connection to computer. Possible cord issue, or USB port issue
$0281 No data received - FlashScan or AutoCal did not receive valid data from the connected vehicle. Check all cables and connections. Make sure ignition is turned on to the run position. This can also happen if there is an ECM issue and the autocal cannot see the ECM because it is faulty after a failed flash or otherwise.You can also get this error code on a 18+ Cummins without the bypass cable installed. If the bypass cable is installed, please try swapping the yellow and brown leads on the cable.
$0331 Request Out of Range - The controller does not support the requested OBD mode’s sub-function’s parameter. We have seen this on CMF (19-21 Cummins). If problem persists, please turn key on, remove fuses 49 and 51 under hood and begin flash. Once completed return fuses.
$0333 Security Access Denied - The controller has either not been successfully unlocked or has re-armed itself prior to FlashScan or AutoCal making a secure request. Or A Dodge Cummins 2018+ vehicle is fitted with a CAN Security Gateway Module (SGM) - When using V8 pass-thru reading and/or flashing, try selecting “Assume Lock may be Faulty” and “Try Alt Keys” and retry the operation. Dodge Cummins 2018+ vehicles are fitted with a CAN Security Gateway Module (SGM), which needs to be bypassed to facilitate communications with EFILive. Ensure Bypass cable installed, you can also try swapping the pins on the back of the OBD connector from bypass cable and trying again.
$0502 Script file not found - The script (*.obj) file does not exist on the device. Ensure that you have selected/programmed the correct controller type(s) in the BBX configuration. Re-install (or repair-install) the EFILive V8 software, then reprogram the BBx configuration to your FlashScan or AutoCal device using the [F5: BBx]->[Program] option.
$0503 Script file not valid - The script (*.obj) file is corrupt. Re-install (or repair-install) the EFILive V8 software, then click on the [Check Firmware] button in the main V8 Scan and Tune window and perform any updates that are available.
$0531 Serial number security restriction in *.ctz file does not match controller's serial number. - The author of the tune file has restricted the controller into which this tune file can be flashed by specifying the controller’s serial number in the security settings of the file. Contact the author of the tune file to obtain a file that can be flashed into the target controller. Most common issue with this is in Cummins controllers when the Serial number of the ECM from the ECM tag was provided or written down incorrectly.
$0532 Controller not licensed. - An attempt was made to program a controller before it was licensed. Activate the vin license before attempting to program it. You can license a controller using the on-screen prompts via FlashScan or AutoCal.
$0533 No VIN license slots available. - An attempt was made to license a controller when no free VIN licenses slots were available. Additional VIN license slots can be purchased for FlashScan devices from EFILive’s on-line web store (www.efilive.com). FlashScan and AutoCal V2 devices may support up to 221 VIN license slots. FlashScan and AutoCal V3 devices may support up to 600 VIN license slots. Some AutoCal devices may be configured by the supplier with a smaller maximum VIN license limit. Please ensure you have activated the Vin license via the code you were sent from DDC.
$0535 AutoCal is not yet linked to a FlashScan. See also error $010D An attempt was made to program a controller using an AutoCal device that has not yet been linked to its parent FlashScan device. - Contact DDC for link codes if this issue arises.
$0536 Tune file is not registered to this AutoCal device. - An attempt was made to program a controller with a tune file that is not linked to this AutoCal device. - Ensure the Autocal SN you provided is correct and contact DDC is persists.
$0537 Controller is locked with a custom key. An attempt was made to read or program a controller that cannot be unlocked using the standard GM keys. If you know the key that was used to lock the controller, please use the unlock option in the EFILive software to unlock the controller before attempting to read or reflash the controller again. Also, please make sure there is nothing tapped into any of the OBD wires for power (aftermarket alarms, remote starters, radios, etc.)
$053C Tune file does not allow calibration flashing. The author of the tune file has flagged the file to prevent calibration flashing. The file may only be full-flashed.
$053E VIN security restriction in *.ctz file does not match controller's VIN. The author of the tune file has restricted the controllers into which this tune file can be flashed by specifying a VIN pattern in the security settings of the file. Ensure the VIN provided is correct, sometimes the ECM may have been replaced and may have a different VIN programmed than what is on the door of the truck. To find this out, read OBD details and confirm VIN with DDC.
$0548 Flash checksum failed. The data programmed into the controller has been corrupted. Retry the flash procedure. If this problem persists, contact EFILive support.
$0549 Ignition is switched off. - Ensure the Ignition Key is on - Most likely on 18+ Cummins trucks, ensure bypass cable is installed. If problem persists, try swapping wires on the back of the OBD connector and try again.
Don't see your code and still need some guidance? We're here to help! Shoot us an email at tunes@dirtydieselcustoms.com and we will help you get your truck flashed!
